You are a novice musician and for the first time picked up a guitar, but do you think it plays wrong? Do not scold the tool, you just set it up incorrectly. Tuning is a delicate matter and requires a musical ear and some training, therefore, for the inexperienced, very convenient assistants were invented - guitar tuners. In some cases, tuners are needed even by well-known musicians to quickly tune a musical instrument. In order not to be mistaken in choosing the type of tuner suitable for your instrument and to learn about the best representatives in this segment, we recommend that you read this article. The article is useful even for experienced musicians, because we tried to find representatives with an ideal ratio of quality to price.
Content:
Guitar tuner which company to choose
Some may say that the tuner is enough for them as a mobile application on an Android or IOS smartphone, but there is nothing better than a real and high-quality tool. Unlike mobile analogs, such ones will never fail and give out incorrect information.
Among the most famous manufacturers, both musical instruments and equipment, are the following (shown in decreasing order of fame in musical circles):
1. Korg
2. Fender
3. TC Electronic
4. Boss
5. Peterson
6. Ibanez
7. Yamaha
8. Seiko
9. Adams
These Europeans, Japanese and Americans are most famous for the quality of their products, but the prices of their tools are often high. Many of you have probably heard of at least some of these musical giants and have an idea about the quality of their products.
For example, every self-respecting guitarist is familiar with the main musical instruments of the company Fender or Ibanez. And Korg tuners and other gadgets for electric guitar are beloved by professional musicians around the world.
Best portable electric tuners - compact and reliable
Guitar tuners have several different types, each of which should be disassembled separately. For example, the first type is portable. Typically, these tuners are universal, because they have several different types of settings that allow you to work with an electric guitar, electronic acoustics or electronic ukulele.
They are connected to the instrument using the jack connector on the body. On their display, they show how true each string sounds with the help of arrows or LEDs.
Rather intuitive control and greater mobility (the tuner fits in any pocket) makes this type of tuner acceptable for beginners, and accuracy is useful for experienced users. However, for classical acoustics, the tuner is not suitable.
Ibanez GU40 - an ideal ratio of opportunities to the price
One of the most universal models of tuners brand IBANEZ. This "baby" copes with its work. Firstly, it can adapt to various types of guitars with a different tone. Ibanez GU40 is able to adjust even to an eight-string guitar.
The tuner has a jack jack for both input and output. The display is duplicated by LEDs that help you see the right information, even in the blinding sun. This model is perhaps the most ideal option for an experienced musician who does not need additional “gadgets” like a metronome.
Advantages of the tuner Ibanez GU40:
- It adapts to any guitar;
- There is a tuning fork mode;
- Loud speaker;
- Highly sensitive microphone;
- Compactness;
- There is an entrance and exit to the "jack";
- Color variety of colors;
- Very reasonable price.
Disadvantages of the Ibanez GU40 tuner:
- Rarely sold in stores;
- No additional features.
Korg TMR-50-PW - tenderness and power for experienced
Mother of pearl tuner, which has great musical possibilities - only Korg TMR-50-PW can boast of this. Korg has always been famous for its unique products, and this model is considered a classic among portable tuners. It works directly with the tool, and therefore allows you to configure it even in a noisy room.
The control of the tuner is intuitive, and the high quality of the display also makes it convenient. In addition to the basic functions of the Korg, the TMR-50-PW boasts a built-in metronome and recorder, which, in addition, can work simultaneously, which is very useful for the sought-after musician.
Advantages:
- Large LCD display with two backlight levels;
- Fits different types of tools;
- Built-in recorder, microphone, speaker;
- 15 types of rhythms at the metronome;
- Works at extraneous noise;
- Elegant design;
- Folding stand on the back;
- Recognizes a large number of notes;
- There is an entrance and exit to the "jack";
- USB connector;
- Large memory and the ability to listen to audio.
Disadvantages:
- Perceptibly high price;
- Sometimes it is necessary to reset to factory settings.
The best pedal tuners - experience, power, quality
The name of this kind of tuners can already carry you to guitar lotions, if you are familiar with such. The essence of the pedal tuners is the same - connecting the tuner to the instrument via cable. Just as with the previous view, here you have to play each string and watch the readings on the display.
The main difference is the real time mode. That is, the instrument can be tuned directly while playing it, which is not only useful, but also necessary for the musicians performing on stage. But we must not forget that with the help of a pedal tuner, it is also impossible to tune the usual acoustics. In addition, the pedal tuners are a bit heavier and more massive than their “brothers”, therefore only musicians will be useful.
Digitech HT-6 Polychromatic Tuner - a reliable musician assistant
This tuner is designed for bass guitars or six-string, and you can even tune the strings at the same time, firstly, which will significantly speed up this process. Digitech HT-6 Polychromatic Tuner has a very large bright LED display that allows you to see the picture even through sunlight, smoke or fog. The tuner can operate continuously for a dozen hours.
The creators of the model with all their hearts approached the needs of the musicians and put in the kit a glowing sticker that allows not to lose the device in a concert, and a special overlay will help to securely strengthen it. This model is best suited for guitarists playing in clubs and bars.
Advantages of the Digitech HT-6 Polychromatic Tuner:
- Possibility of chord tuning;
- Large display consisting of 90 LEDs;
- 8 hours of continuous offline operation;
- Bypass;
- Sticker and rubber pad included;
- The possibility of power from an independent source.
Disadvantages of the Digitech HT-6 Polychromatic Tuner:
- Ability to customize only six-string and bass guitars;
- Unremarkable design.
BOSS TU-3 - chrome classic and legendary quality
Boss is a legendary classic among musical techniques. Boss tuners are notable for their special build quality, elegant design and good functional equipment. The BOSS TU-3 pedal tuner works in different modes: with an electric guitar, bass, as well as an additional AccuPitch mode with enhanced signal brightness and tuning accuracy.
The latter mode is ideal for live performances, but not for normal use due to the high battery consumption. This model is capable of supporting various types of guitar. This big metal white handsome man has a rubberized bottom that does not allow him to slide on the floor. The BOSS TU-3 can act as power for other BOSS pedals. It is safe to call this tuner the most suitable for concert performances among those presented.
Advantages:
- Supports many types of guitars;
- LED display with multiple brightness modes;
- A variety of settings;
- Sturdy metal case;
- Rubberized bottom;
- Elegant design;
- Bypass
Disadvantages:
- Large dimensions and weight;
- Only the entrance is "jack" without exit.
Korg PitchBlack Poly - simplicity and quality
Again Korg, whose representatives, by the way, will be presented in each category, and again an excellent tuner, but in the form of a pedal. This model has become the first polyphonic model of this company, and this means that Korg PitchBlack Poly has the ability to customize settings, which, again, is much more useful for performing musicians. At the same time, this model recognizes the type of string, guitar or bass, while playing the strings, so no additional tuning will be needed.
The presentation of information on the display is more designed for already experienced musicians, so unprepared and, even more so, newcomers should not take this tuner. As for pedal tuners, the Korg PitchBlack Poly has rather small dimensions. As a result: a simple reliable pedal, perfectly performing the functions of a tuner.
Advantages of the Korg PitchBlack Poly Tuner:
- Polyphonic model;
- Possibility of chord customization;
- Automatic recognition of the type of string;
- Small dimensions;
- The power supply can be used under other pedals;
- Delivers heavy loads.
Korg PitchBlack Poly Tuner Disadvantage:
- Not intuitive control.
TC Electronic PolyTune 2 - reliable pedal musician assistant
An interesting polyphonic model from TC Electronic, as well as some of the monitored tuners that allow us to tune all the strings at the same time, is percord. This model boasts the fact that the tuning coefficient of the instrument with its help is accurate to within one-hundredth of a semitone, which makes it one of the most accurate among tuners. She also has a very nice and high-quality stroboscopic display and automatic detection of the type of strings. Of course, the dimensions of this pedal tuner are quite large, TC Electronic PolyTune 2 can be called a good and reliable assistant to an experienced musician in public.
Advantages of the TC Electronic PolyTune 2 Tuner:
- Polyphonic tuner;
- Possibility of chord tuning of strings;
- The highest precision tuning tool among the models presented;
- High-quality display.
Disadvantages of the TC Electronic PolyTune 2 tuner:
- Weighty price;
- Explicit dimensions.
Best Tuner Clothespins - Best Friends Newbies
Well, the latest type of tuner is a tuner with a clothespin. And it is he who is perfect for acoustic guitars and ukuleles. This device is fastened with a clothespin in the middle of the neck of the guitar head parallel to the strings. A very sensitive microphone picks up the vibrations of the strings and the sensors show how tuned the guitar is.
In more advanced models there is a display, and then using the tuner becomes impossibly simple. This is the best option for a beginner who only learns to play, because this tuner is easy to use, very small and light, and therefore it can be worn always and everywhere, while most often this type of tuner is much cheaper than the rest.
Fender FT-1620 - “candy” wrapper and high-quality filling
The design of this model is very similar to the sweet candy, it can scare away some who may find it weak and of poor quality. However, the Fender FT-1620 will surprise you. He is surprised from the very first use by the fact that he does not have an on / off button. It automatically starts at the moment when it is hung on the neck. This, however, has an ambiguous quality.
On the one hand, almost lightning-fast tuning, and on the other, this mode of operation quickly puts the battery, if you do not remove the tuner in time. There are no such questions to the process and the accuracy of tuning, nor to understanding the work of the tuner itself. This is a very suitable device for beginners without unnecessary functions.
Advantages of the Fender FT-1620 tuner:
- Nice and unusual design;
- Fine tuning guitar;
- Intuitive use;
- Auto power on;
- Very adequate and nice price.
Disadvantages of the Fender FT-1620 tuner:
- The battery is quickly set;
- Rare problems in displaying characters on the display;
- The device is small, it can be lost.
Korg Headtune HT-G1 - the original and at the same time simple assistant
Another Korg, but with a pin, stands out among its competitors in the first place a remarkable design.Headtune HT-G1 is made in the shape of the head of the neck, its body also has a very reliable clip, unfolding at 120 degrees. This tuner does not have a display, you need to tune the guitar, relying on the colors and location of the bright bright sensors. The shape and location of the sensors, by the way, allow the beginner not to understand which string plays which note, as well as which note is indicated by which letter. This tuner is well suited for beginners who decide to play the guitar for the sake of a hobby or for the entertainment of the company, thanks to the ease of use, originality of design and long working time.
Advantages:
- Very interesting design;
- The strong clip unrolling the case by 120 degrees;
- The simplest among the presented tuners management;
- Automatic shutdown with a long inactivity of the tuner;
- The battery withstands 35 hours of continuous operation of the device;
- LEDs are bright and wide.
Disadvantages:
- High price;
- A beginner will not learn musical theory.
What guitar tuner to buy
1. For beginners who perceive the guitar as entertainment, Brahner will do.
2. For beginners who would like to start their acquaintance with a guitar, the Fender FT-1620 will do.
3. For beginners who want to take the guitar to a variety of places, but do not want to learn the theory, Korg Headtune HT-G1 is suitable.
4. For lovers of accurate sound and quick setup, TC Electronic PolyTune 2 will do.
5. For experienced musicians who appreciate quality and do not want to spend money on extra functions, Korg PitchBlack Poly is suitable.
6. For performing experienced musicians who work with many other “lotions” and waiting for a high-quality instrument assembly, BOSS TU-3 will do.
7. For musicians playing various bass or six-string guitar places, Digitech HT-6 Polychromatic Tuner is suitable.
8. For experienced musicians who need a professional multifunctional quality device in a decent presentation, Korg TMR-50-PW is suitable.
9. For performing musicians who need a simple, high-quality device at an affordable price, Ibanez GU40 will do.
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